13th Annual Meridian Summit

2024 Meridian Summit: Shaping Geopolitical Futures 

In the face of evolving global dynamics and heightened geopolitical competition, Meridian International Center convened an in-person audience of more than 215 prominent leaders from government, diplomacy, and the private sector for the 2024 Meridian Summit on October 18, 2024. Hosted at Gallup World Headquarters in Washington, D.C., the summit provided a critical platform for addressing the pressing challenges and opportunities facing the international community. Participants engaged in discussions about the implications of a pivotal election year, exploring themes such as geopolitical volatility, the role of technology in securing national interests, and strategies for collaborative investment.  

The summit featured an impressive roster of speakers, including Rep. Ami Bera (CA-6), Jon Finer, Principal Deputy National Security Advisor at The White House, The Honorable Elbridge Colby from The Marathon Initiative, and Julie Sweet, CEO of Accenture, among others. Key topics of conversation included the state of geopolitics, innovative approaches to investment, and redefining corporate resilience in an uncertain world.  

With attendees comprising 20 government representatives, leaders from 35 embassies, and influential figures from the corporate sector, the summit fostered a robust exchange of ideas and strategies, equipping leaders to navigate the complexities of today’s global landscape.  

See more on social: #MeridianSummit 

Summit Agenda

MAIN STAGE

  • The State of Geopolitics:Moderator: T.H. Fred Hochberg, Board Chair, Meridian International Center; T.H. Jane Harman, Chair, U.S. Commission on the National Defense Strategy 
  • Securing an Insecure World: Moderator: Jeremy Bash, Founder and Managing Director, Beacon Global Strategies; Elbridge Colby, Co-founder and Principal, The Marathon Initiative; T.H. Kay Bailey Hutchison, 22nd United States Permanent Representative to NATO; Brittany Masalosalo, Chief Public Policy Officer, HP Inc. 
  • Collaborative Investment for Growth Part I: Moderator: Eric Gertler, Executive Chairman and CEO, U.S. News & World Report; The Honorable Jose W. Fernandez, Under Secretary for Economic Growth, Energy, and the Environment, U.S. Department of State 
  • Collaborative Investment for Growth Part 2: Moderator: Eric Gertler, Executive Chairman and CEO, U.S. News & World Report; Hooman Shahidi, Chief Executive Officer, EVPassport; H.E. Lui Tuck Yew, Ambassador, Embassy of Singapore; H.E. Svanhildur Hólm Valsdóttir, Ambassador, Embassy of Iceland  
  • Closing Remarks featuring Natalie Jones, Executive Vice President, Meridian International Center; Charles L. Capito Jr., Former Managing Director, Wells Fargo Advisors 

CATALYST CONVERSATIONS